Do you have Influenza and can’t seem to kick it? Have you tried Australian Essential Oils?
Two of the top influenza-busting Australian Essential Oils are Eucalyptus Blue Gum and Eucalyptus Lemon Ironbark.

EUCALYPTUS BLUE GUM:

The traditional sharply-scented eucalyptus you are probably familiar with, best known for its respiratory effects. Eucalyptus fights viruses and bacteria, while easing congestion. It also eases muscle and joint aches and pains. Eucalyptus globulus stimulates circulation, increasing the flow of blood to affected areas. Eucalyptus can be mentally stimulating and may help increase concentration.

Safety and Precautions:
Do not take internally as Eucalyptus oil is toxic and as little as 3.5ml has been reported fatal. Dilute to a maximum of 20% when using topically. Using more is not often the best, more than the recommended dose can cause adverse reactions.

Do not use with children under age 10, as it can cause slowed respiration due to high 1,8-cineole content.
Avoid using if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep out of reach of children, store away from sunlight and below 30°.

A pleasant, fresh, gently sweet, lemon scent. One of the more unique and pleasant Eucalyptus aromas. Benefits the solar plexus

EUCALYPTUS LEMON IRONBARK

Well known for its antiseptic prowess, relief from troubled breathing in winter, air freshening, uplifting, relaxing, removes bad room smells and odours,.

Aromatherapy

4-8 drops in diffuser or oil burner, a couple of drops in a vaporiser, 5 drop into a bath.

Use as an Air purifier by placing a few drops in diffuser (or oil burner made for essential oils).

Massage for relief from tired muscular aches.

Use in the kitchen and bathroom when cleaning, add it to dishwashing liquid.

Add a drop or two to a bath, foot bath

For some freshness, add a drop to your floor washing water

You can add it to clothes when washing

Great when cleaning the bathroom

Eucalyptus staigeriana has an antiseptic, antibacterial action that is beneficial for wounds, abscesses, burns, ulcers and insect bites.

Its uplifting, stimulating and antidepressant qualities are beneficial for treating stress and mental exhaustion/sluggishness. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and can be used to cheer and comfort during times of uncertainty and helps restore sleep cycle.

It is useful in inhalations for respiratory problems, decongestant, sinus.

It can be vapourised during the cold and flu season to help prevent the spread of germs.

Frankincense Endangered Species

Note: Please consider when using Frankincense that this tree is on the endangered species list. Corrupt harvesting for high prices to some local farmers will see this product extinct in the next few years. Please be mindful when purchasing.

The following uses of frankincense are based upon knowledge of trusted colleagues in the online community. In going through this list you will see that frankincense deserves its reputation as the “King of Oils.” (aka Frank, The King of Kings in my stories). Sad too that the production of this oil is unsustainable in its native environment

1) Heal wounds from cuts, scrapes and burns.

For even greater benefit, apply lavender essential oil first then layer frankincense on top. The combination of these two oils together is amazing when it comes to healing wounds.

2) Reduce and fade scars.

Continue use after the wound has healed to reduce and fade scarring.

3) Relieve the symptoms of gout.

Mixed 50/50 with a carrier oil, frankincense has been known to relieve the painful symptoms of gout. I know this is true because during our recent vacation, my husband had a flare-up of gout and after applying frank and coconut oil four times daily, the pain was all but gone within three days.

4) Foster strong immune system.

The antiseptic properties of frankincense make it ideal for supporting a strong immune system. Massage a few drops into the balls of your feet every day. In addition, try diffusing it throughout your home and especially in the bedroom at night. This is especially good during cold and flu season.

5) Stress and anxiety management.

Apply a drop at the temples to relieve stress and evoke a feeling of calmness. You can also rub a few drops mixed in a carrier oil on the back of the neck when you feel anxious. Something else you can do is simply inhale the aroma of the oil by rubbing a drop or two between the palms of your hands then bringing them up to your nose and taking a deep breath.

6) Mitigate depression and feelings of helplessness.

Apply a few drops to the back of the neck and especially around the brain stem two or more times daily.

7)Anti-aging.

None of us likes to look old. Dabbing frankincense on fine lines and wrinkles will make them less noticeable. A 50/50 blend with a carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil) in a glass roller ball is recommended. You can also add a drop of frank to your daily moisturizer.

8) Replacement for NSAIDS/Advil.

Frankincense is a powerful anti-Inflammatory and can be used to relieve conditions where pain and inflammation are present.

9) Colds and congestion.

Put up to six drops in a sink or bowl filled with very hot water then bend over the sink with a towel draped over your head to contain the steam. Breathe in the vapors for at least five minutes, adding more hot water as needed. Be careful not to scald yourself; the water should be hot, not boiling.

10) Relieve itching.

A single drop applied to the affected area will bring immediate relief.

11) Relieve arthritis pain and swelling.

Mix with a carrier (such a Simple Salve or DIY healing salve) and rub into aching joints at night before bed and throughout the day,

12) Clear up cystic acne.

Dab one drop on stubborn spots of cystic acne morning and night.

13) Relaxation.

Add five or six drops to a diffuser and breath in the oil to open the senses and create a calming atmosphere. Perfect for quiet meditation.

14) Remove moles, skin tags, and warts.

Apply a single drop three or four times a day until gone. Note that if the mole is dark and ragged around the edges and/or growing quickly, see your healthcare professional for an assessment and possible treatment.

15) Reduce swelling from insect bites.

A single drop dabbed on an insect bite will reduce the swelling and stop the itching.

16) Enhance vision.

I have seen many references to “studies” that indicate that frankincense will improve vision and possibly eliminate the need for reading glasses. I could not find a single study myself, however. That said, my personal experience tells me that frank will indeed improve vision and if my latest test results are accurate, using frankincense along the orbital bones and under my eye has halted, for now, the progression of glaucoma. Please take care not to get any oil in the eye itself. In this case, less is more.

17) Remove musty odors.

Place a couple of drops in a small dish of water and the room will take on a much fresher smell.

18) Restless leg syndrome.

Apply two drops Frankincense with carrier oil to the bottom of each foot and massage each night to relieve restless leg syndrome.

19) Oral health:

Useful as preventative measure against oral health problems such as bad breath, toothaches, cavities, canker sores and other infections. Try mixing with baking soda and coconut oil to make your own toothpaste.

20) Promote sleep and prevent insomnia.

Diffuse frankincense at bedtime to help you slow down your breathing and relieve nervous tension and anxiety. You will sleep like a baby!

21) Boost the healing power of homemade remedies and beauty products.

Add a few drops of frankincense to DIY salves, lip balms, and roller balls. It boosts the power of everything else! (More about that in #22 below.)

22) Enhance the efficacy of other essential oils.

The best is saved for last. Layer frankincense over another essential oil to enhance that oil’s properties and drive the oils deeper into the cells. This layering will deliver amazing results for those times when you need to kick it up a notch.

Essential oils and you

Essential oils are adaptive, meaning they adapt to your unique body chemistry. What this means is that sometimes an oil will work for you right away and sometimes you have to be consistent and use it over a period of days to see results. And, in some cases, a particular oil may not work for you at all.

Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

People get very concerned about the use of aromatherapy and essential oils during pregnancy. Some, including some aromatherapists, even advise not to use any essential oils at all. I personally think that is a bit extreme, and also a great pity, as many essential oils can be quite useful in helping the prospective mum through this time.

There are a number of reasons that the area of aromatherapy and pregnancy has become the subject of so much concern. And often people are left not knowing what, if anything they can use.

Essential oils listed as “Not to use in Pregnancy” fall into 3 basic groups

In addition there are some oils which are usually to be avoided in the first trimester, particularly if there is a history or risk of miscarriage, such as roman chamomile, geranium, lavender and rose. The first category should always be avoided, but in the main are not readily available anyway. The second should only be considered under the advice of a professionally qualified aromatherapist and generally used in very limited amounts and/or for a limited period of time.

But why do some oils only become a risk during pregnancy? Well, some of these oils are emmenogogues and have a stimulating effect on the uterus. Some affect the hormones or have too strong an effect on a particular organ or system of the body. We also do not yet know to what extent oils used by the mother may affect the developing fetus, so any oils which may be too strong for the child should be avoided.

This amount of caution is also required because the quality of essential oils can vary widely in the marketplace. But under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist, great benefits can be gained by using some essential oils during pregnancy.

Another thing to bear in mind is how & how much oil you use.

Never take essential oils internally. Always, but always, dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. Never apply them neat to the skin. If you are pregnant, adapt any recipes by cutting down the number of drops to child sized doses, around half of that for an adult. This softens the effect and also takes account of the fact that when pregnant, a woman’s sense of smell is often more acute, so full strength may seem overpowering. For example if a recipe suggests 5 drops in 10 mls of carrier oil, then use only 2-3 drops. Less is often more in aromatherapy!

Essential oils used in vaporiser will carry much less risk than any applied directly to the body, whether in a carrier oil, in a bath or as a compress. But still err on the side of caution regarding how much you use.

Some useful and safe remedies for pregnancy:

Nausea – put 2-3 drops of ginger or spearmint oil on a tissue and inhale.

Oedema (swelling of hands and/or feet) – put 4-6 drops of one of the following oils in a foot or hand bath (sweet orange, geranium, grapefruit) and soak

Other oils that are generally safe to use include, lemon, sweet orange, mandarin, frankincense, lavender, sandalwood and tea tree.

Always ensure that you are using true essential oils rather than synthetic or fragrance oils.

If you have a personal or family history of miscarriage or your have been advised that your pregnancy is in any way fragile, please seek advice from a professional aromatherapist regarding your particular situation before using essential oils. Professional advice is a good idea for anyone contemplating the use of aromatherapy but especially so in pregnancy. And always let your health practitioner, doctor, midwife or obstetrician know about anything you are using or proposing to use.

This information is meant as general advice. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified aromatherapist for advice on your specific situation).

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IAAMA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Well-being a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula in Victoria Australia.

Kunzea Secrets

Dr. Pénoël points out that in terms of composition, Kunzea contains a large amount of ?-pinene in comparison to 1,8 cineole, which is relatively rare in plants of the Myrtaceae family. Most importantly in Kunzea, there are five different sesquiterpene compounds, which is quite unusual: globulol, viridiflorol, spathulenol, ledol and bicyclogermacrene.

Such sesquiterpene compounds are being seen as important, especially whenever inflammatory reactions need to be curbed and moderated (but not negatively suppressed).

Dr. Pénoël has used Kunzea oil with some patients both topically and through ingestion of small amounts in helping to reduce inflammatory responses in cases of Crohn’s disease and the after-effects of radiotherapy treatments with good results.

There are further potential therapeutic indications for Kunzea essential oil. Various case histories and anecdotal reports suggest a variety of uses.

Kunzea is reported to have good pain-relieving properties, useful for muscular, tendon and joint injuries. In this case, Kunzea can be used by itself or used in combination with essential oils such as Rosemary (camphor-type), Basil (methyl chavicol-type) and Peppermint.

Kunzea has also shown results in relieving the pain of headaches and insect bites, such as from mosquitoes and spiders. It can be suggested to use a combination of equal amounts of Kunzea and Peppermint oil for these conditions. Kunzea by itself or perhaps combined with True Lavender oil, can be useful for application to small wounds and minor burns.

There have been some good results in Kunzea helping to relieve the intense pain of gout, where uric acid deposits (especially in joints of the toes) cause intense inflammation. In this case, Kunzea oil has been applied neat a number of times per day to the affected joints. A number of users have reported developing a healing rash, with uric acid being excreted through the skin. The Kunzea oil helps to control any itching of the rash.

If Kunzea oil is applied to the area after the trauma and before bruising has started or has only just begun, the development of the bruise can be prevented. Another excellent oil to prevent and relieve bruising is that of Italian Everlasting (Helichrysm italicum). Kunzea or both oils can be added at a 10% or higher concentration to Arnica infused oil (Arnica Montana flowers infused in vegetable oil) and perhaps Calophyllum oil (Calophyllum inophyllum). Both of these vegetable oils very useful in breaking up the leaked blood that causes the discoloration seen in bruises and sprains and speeds healing.

Kunzea oil has had positive results in the treatment of rashes, skin irritations, eczema and acne. Kunzea oil has been found to be non-irritant and generally is well tolerated even when used undiluted on the skin. However, in the case of eczema and allergic dermatitis, it is always recommended to test a small amount of any essential oil, as skin sensitivity is always a possibility in these conditions. This can be from a 1% to 10% concentration of an essential oil in a base (vegetable oil is fine) for this purpose.

With eczema and other skin irritations, I would recommend combining Kunzea with essential oils and extracts such as German Chamomile, Calendula carbon dioxide extract and Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum).

Kunzea, with its high content of ?-pinene and some 1,8 cineole, is useful in inhalations for relieving congestion in sinus and respiratory complaints. Kunzea can be combined with oils such as Australian Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) and Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) to both address congestion and any infection present.

Kunzea oil has been tested for its effectiveness against a number of disease-causing bacteria. Kunzea is particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including the MRSA variety (multiple antibiotic resistant), in a tested concentration as low as 0.16%.

Another use of the anti-inflammatory effects of Kunzea oil is reported by a Dr. Alan Lane, a physician who practices in Latrobe, Tasmania. His testimonial follows:

“I have been surprised and somewhat delighted to find another clinical use of this essential oil. I have been using intravenous sodium ascorbate (the sodium salt of Vitamin C) in my medical practice for some twenty-five years. If given on a daily basis only four or five doses can be given. Thereafter the vein becomes so irritated that further injections have to be postponed for at least seven days, usually longer, thus delaying treatment.

In one recent case I used Kunzea oil, simply rubbing it in undiluted two or three times that day after the injection. The result was that I was able to give over two hundred consecutive daily injections with no ensuing irritation at all. The therapeutic response is surprisingly fast. With one patient the results were almost instantaneous. I have used Kunzea oil in seven cases so far, all in patients with cancer.

Oncology treatment demands many intravenous injections and the same problems arise as with sodium ascorbate. Kunzea oil gives promise of being of significant effect in routine every day oncological therapy with chemotherapeutic agents and of use in other areas of medical care.

In another condition, atopic eczema, this essential oil seems to be useful in local application to skin. In one particular case the result was very significant. It deserves further investigation.”

Hence, Kunzea oil holds promise in alleviating the pain and inflammation whenever multiple intravenous injections are required. Dr. Lane used undiluted Kunzea oil. Another option would be the use of Kunzea at a 50% concentration in 50% vegetable oil, especially Calendula Infused oil, well known for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Safety considerations:

The overall composition of Kunzea oil, with a low content of 1,8 cineole, sees it as a safe, non-toxic essential oil for general use. There is no contraindication for the use of Kunzea oil during pregnancy at common dosages.

It is well tolerated on the skin, even with undiluted use. As with all essential oils, keep out of reach of children and consider testing a small amount on the skin first with those with eczema and other skin sensitivities.

In summary, Kunzea is a new and unique essential oil that shows much promise, particularly in the areas of relieving pain and inflammation.

Australian Essential Oils – Diffusers

Once again there was media hype about the use of diffusers, what the did not tell you it was only certain types of diffusers.
We regard our diffusers as safe and beneficial. Smaller rooms may need less essential oil. Caution for babies and small children with essential oil dosage. Each oil you use differs in natural chemistry. See Safety at the bottom of the page too.

1. Relaxation and Sleep

One of the best and most well-known uses for essential oils is their ability to help you unwind at the end of a hard day. While there are several other methods for getting your soothing oils from the bottle into your bloodstream where they start to work their magic, the diffuser is by far the easiest and longest-lasting of them all. Keep one at the office to help you relax on your lunch break. Have a diffuser ready to go with the push of a button when you get home from work in the evening. Set one on the bedside table to help your mind and body relax so you can sleep better at night.

2. Mood Elevating

Just as a diffuser can help you to de-stress, they can also be used to create an energizing mood. This is not only great for when you’re feeling sad or depressed. You can use your diffuser to inspire high spirits during the holidays, to set a positive atmosphere for business meetings and social gatherings, to help you get moving on a slow morning, or even to create a romantic atmosphere for that special someone in your life.

3. Ward Off Illness

Using a diffuser in your home or office is a great way to keep cold, flu, and other nasty illnesses at bay that works on three levels. First, many essential oils are powerfully anti-microbial and when introduced into the air in vapor form, the organic compounds within the oils come into direct contact with airborne pathogens before they can invade your body. Second, essential oils can also be used to boost the immune system. Last but not least, some diffusers also double as humidifiers which will help to keep your airways moist and healthy so you are less susceptible to any microbes that do make it into your body.

4. Helps You Breathe Easier

Essential oils are great for reducing inflammation and congestion in clogged airways to help you breathe more easily. If you are prone to allergies or other breathing disorders, try diffusing essential oils in the room (or rooms) of your home where you spend the most time. Just remember to keep a box of tissues handy as your nose and sinuses begin to open so you can also avoid that mad dash to the bathroom!

5. Pain Relief

While most people will tell you to apply essential oils directly to the body for pain relief, you can also use a diffuser to extend their effects. This method is an excellent way to combat persistent pain such as that caused by headaches, sore joints, and overworked muscles.

6. Improve Cognitive Function

Using essential oils in a diffuser is a highly-effective way to super-charge your brain cells. Again, this effect works on multiple levels. First, many essential oils have adaptogenic qualities – meaning that they are soothing when you’re stressed, but they can also give you a pick-me-up when you’re feeling down or sluggish. By leveling out your mood, the oils in the air will help you to focus. Also, there are several essential oils which are known for their powerful ability to balance the body’s hormones. With regular use, these oils can actually help to heal the underlying causes responsible for hampering cognitive function.

7. Safer Alternative to Candles & Incense

If you have pets or small children, burning candles or incense can be a potentially hazardous practice. With an essential oil diffuser, you can reap the benefits of aromatherapy – and to much greater effect – without the risk of burns, wax spills, or other accidents.

8. Repel Insects

Whether your problem is mosquitoes, house flies, fruit flies or moths, you can use essential oils in your diffuser to deter these critters from entering your home.

9. Keeps You Cool

(While it might make you appear more eco-savvy to your friends and family, that’s not the kind of ‘cool’ we’re referring to.)

In the heat of the summer months, running the air conditioner all day and all night is a surefire way to send your electric bill through the roof. Instead, try diffusing your favorite crisp, cooling minty essential oils in the rooms where you spend the most time to help you beat the heat.

10. Saves Money

So far we’ve covered the top nine reasons that owning a diffuser is an investment in your health and well-being, but it’s more than just that. With all of the versatile uses for essential oil diffusers around the home which ultimately lead to less doctor visits, lower electric bills, fewer cups of coffee and better productivity; you will soon discover that this handy little device is a money-saver as well!

Safety: For Essential Oils near your diffueser or oil burners

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for informational purposes only. It does not in any way purport to be medical or prescriptive suggestions.
Any reference to medicinal or health benefits is not meant to treat or diagnose any problem and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.
It should not take the place of any prescribed medication that has been prescribed by a physician.

Australian Essential Oils far outway the ones that most Australian’s buy in the supermarket.
OH! that will do, for Health, cleaning and for the first aid cabinet.
Education about what you actually need is a priority.

Fact or Fiction? TV now warns us of the ‘Superbug” resistant to drugs. MRSA.
Some and only sum pure, unadulterated Essential Oils are not resistant.

Just the words Tea Tree and Eucalyptus do not mean what you think they mean.Unless you see the BOTANICAL NAME.
Other than that they may smell nice and may just kill something or another:
Non Botanical Named Oils are OK for cleaning although will still have an affect your health.

Learn first to seek the purpose, then seek your solution.
Plug ins and candles are nice, yet pure essential oils have a different purpose.
Heating of essential oils can also destroy the healing benefits of the molecular structure.

Please, if this means anything to you and your family then look for the Botanical Name, because if it does not have one what are you risking?

Australian Kakadu Blue Products

“The Dreaming of Australian Blue Cypress, the essence of The Territory”

Australian Essential Oils purchases Australian Blue Cypress Essential Oil direct from the plantation near Darwin, NT.
A Husband and wife team lovingly tend their sustainable forest, harvest the bark and wood and proudly distill the pure beautiful rich blue coloured essence, or ‘life blood of the tree”. Magic ingredient: Guaiazulene results in the beautiful BLUE Colour

Kakadu Blue is a company, their company, that passionately produces Kakadu Blue Personal Care – Healing Products – from the heart of their efforts.

100% Pure and Natural Australian Blue Cypress Essential Oil

Being, as I say “on the road” it was a pleasure to be invited to their plantation and I too shared their passion first hand.
The natural forest plantation, the distillation process and or course the chemistry lab where the final Kakadu Products are created.

I am very proud to stock this wonderful oil and it’s heavenly personal care products…..that work!

The meaning behind Kakadu Blue Logo

Kakadu is and indigenous language

Kakadu also means Cockatoo

Blue is the colour of the essential oil

Therefore the label catch cry is “The Dreaming of Australian Blue Cypress, the essence of The Territory”

Contrary to the world’s belief and the little known fact, Australian Indigenous – Aboriginal peoples had the first natural medicine trading industry in Australia. They taught our early settlers how to use their medicine to heal wounds, colds, sore muscles, skin problems and very beneficial insect repellants.
Our traditional people were the first in the world to have used essential oils. Seven thousand years before the Egyptians. Dated and recorded, yet not acknowledged, as promised, by our government.

Recorded evidence and around 4,000 artefacts were given by the Bundjalung People around Coraki in NSW. This substantially proved they actually distilled and traded TEA TREE up and down the east coast of Australia, with other traditional peoples using other essential oils, such as many different Eucalyptus Oils. Our Tea Tree Oil along with Eucalyptus oil, are still in the Top 5 medicinal oils in the world. May I repeat: Seven thousand years before the Egyptians.

Later recordings from the outback heard of Sandalwood being used by expectant mothers and also used by the Aboriginals as a nice smell.

Bundjalung Legend

“The legendary Princess Eelemani of the Bundjalung people was the Johnny Appleseed of tea tree oil. In the legend of Eelemani we learn of a beautiful princess who has to leave her true lover and travel through the bushland of coastal New South Wales. The journey was long and the forest trail was unknown to Eelemani. She was concerned that the return to her loved one and family would be difficult. Eelemani was no ordinary princess and so she spoke to the Gods of the earth and planets and was rewarded with special seeds that were to be sown along the trails.

As Eelemani walked through the forests, the bell birds called reassuringly and willie wagtails followed protectively through their territory. The special seeds were scattered on the moist, fertile forest soil. Falling to the ground, they grew roots and shoots and flew towards the sunlight. So remarkable were these trees that their beautiful white paper bark stood out from all the other trees. At night the polished sheen reflected the light of the moon showing the trail. Eelemani felt so safe knowing that the Gods had given her such a powerful marker to protect her on her journey.

And so the trees of Eelemani flourished and over the aeons of time the Bundjalung people came to learn of the magical properties: Just as the trees had protected Eelemani, the leaves were found to protect against infection and skin ailments.

It is difficult to know the truth of the story that Sir Joseph Banks, the Endeavour botanist brewed some tea from a ‘tea like’ plant and hence created ‘Australian Tea Tree’. Certainly the story of Eelemani is more credible – especially if you have tasted tea made from either Leptospermum or Melaleuca spp.“

From the opening speech by Dr Alan Twomey at the 1995 Tea Tree Oil National Conference – from folklore to fact in August 1995

The indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia are believed to have used tea trees as a traditional medicine for many years in a variety of ways including inhaling the oil from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds, applying the leaves on wounds as a poultice as well as brewing an infusion of the leaves to make a tea for treatment of sore throats or applying on the skin for minor wounds, abrasions and insect bites and stings. One of the areas where tea trees are grown in abundance today is called Bungawalbyn which translates to ‘healing ground’. Captain James Cook named the tea tree because he observed the Bundjalung people of eastern Australia use the leaves to prepare a healing tea and it is reported that his men used the leaves first to make a tea and then to brew a type of beer!

Arthur Penfold in collaboration with FR Morrison published the first reports of pure tea tree oil’s antimicrobial activity in a series of papers in the 1920s and 1930s. In evaluating the antimicrobial activity of M. alternifolia, tea tree oil was rated as 11- 13 times more active than phenol while being milder and therefore safer for topical application. Shortly after the medicinal properties of the oil were first reported by Penfold, the tea tree industry was born. The oil was produced from natural bush stands of M. alternifolia with the plant material being harvested by hand and distilled on the spot in mobile wood-fired bush stills.

A bush still being filled with hand cut M alternifolia from a natural bush stand circa 1980

Tea tree oil became a household remedy in many Australian homes and was an essential part of every Australian soldier’s kit during World War II which is probably how the word was spread to the rest of the world on the properties and efficacy of the oil. Production ebbed in the 1950’s and early 1960’s as demand for the oil declined due both to the development of antibiotics and the waning image of natural products as the post WWII boom took off. Interest in the oil was rekindled in the late 1960’s early 1970’s as part of the general renaissance of the general interest in natural products that accompanied the baby boomer generation as they searched for the meaning of life.

The first commercial plantations were established in the 1970’s and 1980’s which led to the establishment of the first crude mechanical harvesting devices and forerunners of the larger, static distillation plants which have evolved to produce today’s consistent, high quality, 100% pure Australian tea tree oil.

During the first two World Wars, wild harvested Tea Tree oil was carried around and used by Australian soldiers.

Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) was wild harvested and distilled for perfumery, as was Western Australia’s Boronia (Boronia megastigma). Australian Sandalwood was used as a bactericide in Australia and western Europe, it was eventually replaced by antibiotics.

Peppermint Gum (Eucalyptus dives) oil became used for the production of menthol, it was used in cough drops and syrups until the synthetic menthol industry rose up.

During World War II, Lemon Myrtle was harvested and distilled from wild trees near Gympie, south east Queensland for the supply of lemon essence by drink manufacturer Tarax. However not enough trees were in the wild to make it viable and operations ceased.

There were also small amounts of Lemon Scented Gum (Corymbria citriodora) and Lemon Scented Tea Tree (Leptospermum petersonii) distilled.

Today Australian essential oils are prized and they are shipped all over the world, yet in Australia, very little is known by the consumer about our amazing beneficial collection of the Australian Essential oils.

In the world today any concentrated, volatile, aromatic liquid that is obtained from the fruits, seeds, flowers, bark, stems, roots, leaves or other parts of a plant. There are estimated to be 10,000 aromatic plants that contain essential oils on Earth, and about 500 of these are processed commercially for essential oil extraction. These oils have been used for centuries for both their healing and aromatic benefits. This is most commonly accomplished by steam distillation (steam is passed through the plant material), and sometimes hydro distillation (the plant is gently boiled in water). More modern methods include mechanically expressing oils from citrus fruit peel, and solvent extraction. Solvent extracted oils include CO2 extracts and absolutes, and these are not classed as essential oils.

Today we look for natural, unmodified products. Organic is just an awareness of Natural. Not modified by man or pollution. That is why I choose to spread the word about essential oil benefits. In particular to provide information about Australia’s contribution to the world’s essential oil catalogue.

Again I would like to thank our First Nations Peoples and our pioneers in The Australian Essential Oil Industry. Also today the many farmers, distillers and distributors of Australian Essential Oils.